Shedur Sanders scores his inaugural touchdown pass in his first NFL preseason outing with the Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders Shines in NFL Debut with Cleveland Browns
Shedeur Sanders, the rookie quarterback drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round, made a memorable debut in the team's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on August 8, 2025.
Sanders, who entered the stadium with an entourage and played his own unreleased music, showcased his skills early on. On the first play of the second quarter, he threw his first touchdown pass to wideout Kaden Davis, taking the lead for the Browns[2]. Richard Sherman, the ex-cornerback, praised Sanders' throw, calling it a "dime". Former quarterback Chase Daniel also commended Sanders for a difficult throw he made[2].
The touchdown came after a muffed punt return by Trevor Etienne, which allowed the Browns to regain control of the game[4]. Sanders' performance in the first half was impressive, as he completed 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns, eclipsing 100 yards passing[3].
Deion Sanders, Colorado head coach and Hall-of-Famer, expressed his support for his son on social media[2]. NBA icon LeBron James also praised Sanders, adding to the growing buzz around the rookie quarterback[1].
However, Sanders' start in the game was not without its challenges. A three-and-out and a turnover-on-downs marked a rugged beginning[3]. Sanders himself acknowledged his shortcomings, sending a message to his father after being pulled from the game, expressing regret for not performing to his full potential[2].
Despite these early struggles, Sanders' debut displayed considerable promise. Former wide receiver Dez Bryant also praised Sanders, noting his confidence and no-quit mentality[4]. Sanders' performance in the preseason has set him apart as a quarterback to watch in the Browns’ competitive quarterback battle[1][3].
[1] - ESPN [2] - CBS Sports [3] - NFL.com [4] - Sports Illustrated
Shedeur Sanders' impressive performance in the NFL, particularly his debut with the Cleveland Browns, showcases the potential intersection of sports and health. His strong showing in American football, specifically football, raises questions about his future in the NFL. Deion Sanders, both a Hall-of-Famer and his father, is highly supportive of his son's sports career, hinting at the influence of sports lineage on health and performance.
